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Krama vs Ngoko Phrasebook: What to Say to Parents vs. Friends in Javanese

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Javanese Culture

Imagine this: you’ve been practicing your Javanese. You approach a kind, elderly woman at a market stall in Yogyakarta and, wanting to ask the price, you use the phrase you learned from your younger friend: “Regane pira?” The woman’s smile tightens. She answers you, but there’s a sudden coolness in the air. In Javanese Culture,… Baca selengkapnya: Krama vs Ngoko Phrasebook: What to Say to Parents vs. Friends in Javanese

Javanese Etiquette 101: How to Be Polite (and Avoid Awkwardness)

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Javanese etiquette showing respect and humility.

By Ky Tutur, Javanese Culturalist • Updated on September 26, 2025 Traveling to Java is an immersion into a world of ancient temples, stunning landscapes, and a culture shaped by Javanese etiquette. For many visitors, the most confusing part of the experience is not the language barrier but understanding Javanese etiquette and its unspoken social… Baca selengkapnya: Javanese Etiquette 101: How to Be Polite (and Avoid Awkwardness)

Ngoko vs Krama: Politeness Levels That Confuse Even Natives

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Javanese speech levels

By Ky Tutur, Javanese Culturalist • September 25, 2025 “Kowe arep adol iki?” (Are you going to sell this?). Instead of the warm, reciprocal smile you expect, her expression tightens. A flicker of surprise, perhaps even offense, crosses her face. The air, once filled with the lively market chatter, suddenly turns awkward and cold around… Baca selengkapnya: Ngoko vs Krama: Politeness Levels That Confuse Even Natives